Display Element and Method of Manufacturing the Same

ABSTRACT

There is provided a display element capable of efficiently emitting generated light externally and a method of manufacturing the display element, without damaging an organic electroluminescent layer. First, a transparent electrode protection material ( 11 ) is deposited on a first holding substrate ( 10 ); then organic electroluminescent light-emitting elements ( 12, 13, 14 ) are manufactured thereon; and then after sealing and holding with a sealing material ( 15 ) and a second holding substrate ( 16 ), the first holding substrate ( 10 ) and a transparent electrode protection material ( 11 ) are removed by etching or the like. According to the present invention, the removal of the first holding substrate ( 10 ) enables improvement of the emission rate generated in the electroluminescent layer ( 13 ), and improvement of brightness and contrast in the display element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display element and a method ofmanufacturing a display element, and particularly, to a display elementcapable of efficiently emitting generated light externally and a methodof manufacturing the display element.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventionally, in the case of display elements which use, for example,an organic electroluminescent element or the like as a light emittingelement, the organic electroluminescent element is typically formed overa glass substrate. FIGS. 2A to 2C are explanatory diagrams showingconstructions and operations of a conventional display element. FIG. 2Ais an explanatory diagram showing an example construction of a firstconventional element. Note, however, that in the diagram, each layer isdepicted in an exaggerated-fashion and differs from actual relativeproportions.

The EL (electroluminescent) elements referred to in this specificationinclude triplet-based light emission elements and/or singlet-based lightemission devices, for example.

The conventional sequence for forming the film coating is to sputter atransparent electrode 31 (e.g., ITO: indium oxide-tin oxide alloy) on aglass substrate 30, and then an organic electroluminescent layer 32 isformed by vapor deposition or by spin coating onto the substrate 31, anda cathode 33 is evaporated. After that, sealing material 34 is used toadhere a facing substrate 35 to prevent deterioration of the organicelectroluminescent layer 32 and the cathode 33 due to the atmosphere.

FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram showing an optical path in the firstconventional example element. In the above-mentioned conventionalstructure the cathode material of the cathode 33 is a metal. Therefore,light emerges from the substrate 30 side (FIG. 2B, optical path A), but,due to differences in the refraction indices of each of the layers, thelight cannot escape from the front surface of the element at a anglegreater than the critical angle (FIG. 2B, optical paths B and C).Therefore, the emergence ratio of the light is 1/(2 n²); where n is therefraction index of the luminous layer 32 (approximately 1.6).Therefore, there was a problem that 80% of the light generated wasguided inside the glass substrate 30 and escaped sideways.

In order to avoid this problem, a method has been proposed for formingthe film coating on the glass substrate in the reverse sequence startingwith the cathode. FIG. 2C is an explanatory diagram showing a structureof a second conventional example element. The sequence for forming thefilm coatings was, first, to vapor deposit a cathode 36 on the glasssubstrate 30. Then, after vapor depositing or spin coating an organicelectroluminescent layer 37 for film coating, a transparent electrode 38such as that of ITO was formed by sputtering. In this case it wasnecessary to sputter a transparent conducting film 38 such as that ofITO onto the electroluminescent film 37, but there was a problem thatthe organic electroluminescent layer 37 was altered due to damagesuffered and increased temperature experienced during sputtering.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentionedproblems in the prior art, and provide a display element and a method ofmanufacturing a display element capable of effectively emittinggenerated light externally, without damaging the organicelectroluminescent layer.

The present invention is characterized in that, after a light emittingelement is manufactured in the same sequence as the first conventionalexample element (FIG. 2A) and sealed, a holding substrate for forming atransparent electrode is removed by means of etching or the like.

According to the present invention, the holding substrate for formingthe transparent electrode is removed, with the result that the emissionrate generated at the electroluminescent layer is improved, and thebrightness and contrast of the display element are improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of a firstembodiment of a display element in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 2A to 2C are explanatory diagrams showing constructions andoperations of a conventional display element; and

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing problems arising in the case ofa simple matrix construction; and

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a construction of a secondembodiment of a display element in accordance with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a construction of a thirdembodiment of a display element in accordance with the presentinvention; and

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a construction of a fourthembodiment of a display element in accordance with the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, detailed explanation is made of the embodiments of thepresent invention.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a construction of and a methodof manufacturing a first embodiment of a display element in accordancewith the present invention. The sequence for depositing an organicelectroluminescent display element in the first embodiment of thepresent invention is, first, to deposit a transparent electrodeprotection material 11 onto of a first holding substrate 10 made ofglass, for example. After sputtering a transparent electrode 12 on thetransparent electrode protection material 11, an organicelectroluminescent layer 13 is formed by vapor depositing or by spincoating, and cathode 14 is vapor deposited. After that, a sealingmaterial 15 is used to adhere a second holding substrate 16. Then, thefirst holding substrate 10 and the transparent electrode protectionmaterial are etched and removed in sequence.

(The First Holding Substrate)

The first holding substrate 10 may be formed of a metal, an inorganicsubstrate or a polymer other than glass, as far as the first holdingsubstrate 10 thus formed has excellent surface smoothness (i.e. thesurface smoothness roughly equivalent to that of standard glasssubstrates having transparent electrodes). However, the substrate isneeded to be removed partially or entirely after sealing by using thesecond holding substrate 16, for example. The first holding substrate 10is removed last; therefore, provided that the substrate is strong enoughto hold the light emitting elements (12-14) until the time of sealing,then the thinner the substrate is the better. The etching of the firstholding substrate 10 can be conducted and the substrate may be entirelyremoved without patterning, or it is possible, for example, to removeonly a portion of the light-emitting portion. Examples of usablematerials for the first holding substrate 10 are shown in Chart 1.

CHART 1 Material Etchant Glass, Silica glass Hydrofluoric acid,inorganic Fluoric nitric acid substances Titanium oxide Thermalcondensed sulfuric acid; Sodium hydroxide Silicon Hydrofluoric acid,Fluoric nitric acid Metal Aluminum Hydrochloric acid, Rare sulfuric aid,Nitric acid Titanium Hydrofluoric acid Polymer PMMA Toluene, ChloroformPolycarbonate Chloroform, Acetone, DMF

(The Transparent Electrode Protection Material)

For the transparent electrode protection material 11 formed to the firstholding substrate 10 by, for example, spin coating, it is preferable touse a material that resists the etchant (etching material) of the firstholding substrate 10, and can resist the heat and light (i.e., plasmalight from the sputter, etc.) when the transparent electrode 12 isdeposited and formed.

The role of the transparent electrode protection material 11 is to actas an etching stopper when the first holding substrate 10 is etched.Therefore, it is not necessary for the transparent electrode protectionmaterial 11 to be present when the first holding substrate 10 is to beetched in the case either when an etchant can be used which will notmelt the transparent electrode 12, or when complete time control for theetching is possible.

The transparent electrode protection material 11 is preferably amaterial which can be removed after etching the first holding substrate10. The transparent electrode protection material 11 can also benon-transparent if it can be removed completely. Further, it is notnecessary for the transparent electrode protection material 11 to betransparent in the case when the transparent electrode protectionmaterial 11 is to be removed in the thickness direction. However, it ispreferable that light not be absorbed in the visible light area. Chart 2shows materials that can be used for the transparent electrodeprotection material 11.

CHART 2 Material Etchant Norbornen polymer Toluene, ChloroformPolystyrene Toluene, THF Polycarbonate Chloroform, Acetone, DMF Copperphthalocyanine Chloroform, Acetone Resist material Acetone Acryl (O₂Plasma dry etching)

(The Transparent Electrode)

The transparent electrode 12 is made of ITO, for example, and has a filmthickness of 80 nm-150 nm, for example. Further, in order to minimizeguided waves in the film, it is preferable that the transparentelectrode 12 itself be thin. Note that for the transparent electrode 12,the organic electroluminescent layer 13, and the cathode 14 of metal orthe like, it is possible to adopt and use exactly the same materials anddepositing methods as for the organic electroluminescent light-emittingelement in the conventional and known art.

(The Sealing Material)

For the sealing material, it is preferable to use a material which canresist the etchant for the first substrate and the transparent electrodeprotection material. In the case that a non-resisting material is used,the first holding substrate and the transparent electrode protectionmaterial are etched after protecting bare parts of the sealing materialfor the side face of the substrate. Materials such as epoxy resin,optical curing epoxy resin, optical curing acrylic resin can be used forthe sealing material.

(The Second Holding Substrate)

It is desirable that the etchant used for the second holding substrate16 be different from that used for the first holding substrate 10. Inthe case that the second holding substrate 16 has resistance against theetchant for the first holding substrate 10, consideration does not haveto be made for the protecting of the second holding substrate 16 whenetching the first holding substrate 10, so the process is simple andeasy. The second substrate 16 is no necessary in the case that strengthcan be maintained merely by means of the sealing material 15 after theetching of the first holding substrate 10 and the transparent electrodeprotection material 11.

Materials such as, for example, sheet glass, sheet metals such asaluminum, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyimide or other polymer sheetscan be used for the material of the second holding substrate 16. Note,however, that plastics may be used for the sealing material and thesecond holding substrate so that a flexible display element can bemanufactured.

The construction of a display element, according to the first embodimentas shown in FIG. 1, is such that the transparent electrode 12 isexposed. Therefore, almost all of the light that was guided into theglass substrate 30 in conventional display elements (FIG. 2B, opticalpath B) is emitted externally through the transparent electrode. Thus,the emission rate is improved as compared with the conventional displayelement.

Embodiment 2

Next, explanation is made of a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is anexplanatory diagram showing problems arising in the case of a simplematrix construction. When a plurality of pixels address independently,as they do in a simple matrix construction, patterning of thetransparent electrode 12 becomes necessary. In this case, there is theproblem that the organic electroluminescent layer 13 comes into directcontact with the etchant during the etching of the transparent electrodeprotection material 11 and, moreover, the light emission side of theorganic electroluminescent layer 13 is partially exposed to theatmosphere.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a construction according to thesecond embodiment of the display element of the present invention in thecase when the present invention is constructed in a simple matrixconstruction. In the case that it is desired that the organicelectroluminescent layer 13 be protected from the etchant for thetransparent electrode protection material 11, that exposure of theorganic electroluminescent layer 13 to the atmosphere be prevented, anorganic electroluminescent protection material 17 is deposited on theportions where the transparent electrode 12 was not formed afterpatterning the transparent electrode 12. In order to prevent tearing ofthe cathode 14, the thickness of the organic electroluminescentprotection material 17 is preferably less than the combined thickness ofthe transparent electrode 12 and the organic electroluminescent layer13, for example, 150 nm. Such materials as, for example, silica glass,acrylic resin, polyimide resin, etc. can be used as the material of theprotection material 17.

Embodiment 3

Next, explanation is made of a third embodiment. FIG. 5 is anexplanatory diagram showing a construction of a third embodiment of thedisplay element of the present invention when the display element of thepresent invention is constructed in a simple matrix construction. In thecase that the organic electroluminescent protection material 17 is notused, parts of the first holding substrate 10 and the transparentelectrode protection material 11 are etched and the first holdingsubstrate 10 and the transparent electrode protection material 11 areremoved only where the transparent electrode 12 exists, so as not toexpose the organic electroluminescent layer 13.

FIG. 5 is an example in which the first holding substrate 10 and thetransparent electrode protection material 11 on the transparentelectrode 12 are removed in the shape of a line, and holes 20 areformed. The upper diagram is a cross-sectional view along the line B-B,and the lower diagram is a diagram viewing the display element from theside of the first holding substrate 10. The lower diagram is anabbreviated depiction. The simple matrix is constructed by positioningtens or hundreds of cathodes 14 and transparent electrodes 12 in a grid.The holes 20 do not have to be provided in a line shape, but can also beprovided in a rectangle (or square) shape only where the cathode 14 andthe transparent electrodes 12 overlap.

When the display element is constructed as shown in FIG. 5, the firstsubstrate 10 and the transparent electrode protection material 11surround the light-emitting area. Therefore, the contrast of the displayelement can be improved by either the first substrate 10 or thetransparent electrode protection material 11 being black, for example.

Embodiment 4

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a construction of a fourthembodiment of the display element of the present invention. Embodiment 4is a method of controlling the light-emitting location withoutpatterning the transparent electrode. Embodiment 4 is a method ofsandwiching SiO₂, a resist, or other such insulating film 21 at theportions where it is not desired that light be emitted from theelectrode 12 that has been formed to the entire surface. In this case,in order that the insulating membranes 21 do not tear the organicelectroluminescent layer 13 at the time when the organicelectroluminescent layer 13 is deposited and formed, it is desirable toform the insulating membranes 21 at a thickness of 100 nm or less. Whenthe display element is constructed according to this method, electroniccurrent potential screening is performed across the entire surface ofthe transparent electrode 12. The light-emitting region, therefore, isnot controlled in parts. Instead, patterning methods for fixed, stillimages or for plane emission are used.

Next, explanation is made of specific examples of combinations ofmaterials used for each layer and of manufacturing processes. MaterialsExample 1 is an example in which glass is used for the first holdingsubstrate 10, polystyrene is used for the transparent electrodeprotection material 11, and aluminum is used for the second holdingsubstrate 16, for the display element of Embodiment 1.

Materials Example 1

1. The transparent electrode protection material (polystyrene) is spincoated onto the first holding substrate (glass).

2. The transparent electrode (ITO) is sputtered onto the substratedescribed in 1.

3. The organic electroluminescent layer is produced on the substratedescribed in 2.

4. After sealing the organic electroluminescent layer on the substratedescribed in 3, the substrate is held by means of the second holdingsubstrate (aluminum).

5. The first holding substrate of the substrate described in 4 is meltedby means of hydrofluoric acid.

6. The polystyrene of the substrate described in 5 is melted by means oftoluene.

Materials Example 2 is an example in which aluminum is used for thefirst holding substrate 10, polycarbonate is used for the transparentelectrode protection material 11, and glass is used for the secondholding substrate 16, for the display element of Embodiment 2.

Materials Example 2

1. The transparent electrode protection material (polycarbonate) is spincoated onto the first holding substrate (aluminum).

2. The transparent electrodes (ITO) are sputtered onto the substratedescribed in 1.

3. The transparent electrodes on the substrate described in 2 arepatterned.

4. The organic electroluminescent protection material (SiO₂) issputtered onto the substrate described in 3, and the exposed portions ofthe transparent electrode protection material are coated. After formingthe film layer, the SiO₂ coating covering the transparent electrodes isreverse-sputtered, and surfaces of the transparent electrodes areexposed.

5. The organic electroluminescent layer is produced on the substratedescribed in 4.

6. After sealing the organic electroluminescent layer on the substratedescribed in 5, the substrate is held by means of the second holdingsubstrate (glass).

7. The first holding substrate (aluminum) described in 6 is melted bymeans of hydrochloric acid.

8. The polycarbonate of the substrate described in 7 is melted by meansof toluene.

Materials Example 3 is an example in which, glass is used for the firstholding substrate 10, acryl is used for the transparent electrodeprotection material 11, and titanium oxide is used for the secondholding substrate 16, for the display element of Embodiment 3.

Materials Example 3

1. The transparent electrode protection material (acryl) is spin coatedonto the first holding substrate (glass).

2. The transparent electrodes (ITO) are sputtered onto the firstsubstrate described in 1.

3. The transparent electrodes on the substrate described in 2 arepatterned.

4. The organic electroluminescent layer is produced on the substratedescribed in 3.

5. After sealing the organic electroluminescent layer on the substratedescribed in 4, the substrate is held by means of the second holdingsubstrate (titanium oxide).

6. The first holding substrate (glass) of the substrate described in 5is patterned with the resists, and after etching only the portions wherethe transparent electrodes are arranged, the resists are then removed.

7. The acryl of the substrate described in 6 is removed by means of O₂plasma only where the first holding substrate was removed.

In the present invention, the construction described above enables thefirst holding substrate to be removed and, if the transparent electrodeor electrodes are thin enough, light is not wave-guided. An effect isthereby produced such that the emission rate from the electroluminescentlayer is improved. Further, by raising the emission ratio, there is alsoan effect such that the same brightness as is obtained from standardelements can be obtained with lower voltage, and greater longevity andenergy-saving are also made possible.

Further, the method of the present invention also produces the effectthat it is not necessary to be concerned with the damage that wasmentioned in connection with the prior art and that is suffered when thetransparent electrode film is sputtered or otherwise deposited on theorganic electroluminescent layer according to the method that begins byforming the cathode.

Additionally, there was the problem that in the case when the plasticsubstrate was used to manufacture the display element, the temperatureduring the deposition of the transparent electrode or electrodes had tobe kept low. However, with the present invention, it is possible torealize a polymer second holding substrate without concern for thetemperature.

1-8. (canceled)
 9. A display device comprising: a transparent electrodeprotection layer; a transparent electrode over the transparent electrodeprotection layer; an electroluminescent layer over the transparentelectrode; and an electrode over the electroluminescent layer, whereinthe transparent electrode protection layer comprises a material selectedfrom the group consisting of norbornen polymer, polystyrene,polycarbonate, copper phthalocyanine, a resist material, and acryl. 10.A display device according to claim 9, wherein the electrode is acathode.
 11. A display device according to claim 9, wherein the displaydevice is in a simple matrix construction.
 12. A display deviceaccording to claim 9, wherein the electroluminescent layer comprises anorganic material.
 13. A display device comprising: a transparentelectrode protection layer having a hole; a transparent electrode overthe transparent electrode protection layer; an electroluminescent layerover the transparent electrode; an electrode over the electroluminescentlayer.
 14. A display device according to claim 13, wherein the electrodeis a cathode.
 15. A display device according to claim 13, wherein thedisplay device is in a simple matrix construction.
 16. A display deviceaccording to claim 13, wherein the electroluminescent layer comprises anorganic material.
 17. A display device comprising: a transparentelectrode protection layer; a transparent electrode over the transparentelectrode protection layer; an electroluminescent layer over thetransparent electrode; and an electrode over the electroluminescentlayer, wherein at least a portion of the transparent electrode in alight-emitting portion is exposed to an atmosphere.
 18. A display deviceaccording to claim 17, wherein the electrode is a cathode.
 19. A displaydevice according to claim 17, wherein the display device is in a simplematrix construction.
 20. A display device according to claim 17, whereinthe electroluminescent layer comprises an organic material.
 21. Adisplay device comprising: a first substrate; a transparent electrodeprotection layer over the first substrate; a transparent electrode overthe transparent electrode protection layer; an electroluminescent layerover the transparent electrode; an electrode over the electroluminescentlayer; a sealing layer over the electrode; and a second substrate overthe sealing layer, wherein the first substrate and the transparentelectrode protection layer have a hole.
 22. A display device accordingto claim 21, wherein the electrode is a cathode.
 23. A display deviceaccording to claim 21, wherein the display device is in a simple matrixconstruction.
 24. A display device according to claim 21, wherein theelectroluminescent layer comprises an organic material.
 25. A displaydevice comprising: a first substrate; a transparent electrode protectionlayer over the first substrate; a transparent electrode over thetransparent electrode protection layer; an electroluminescent layer overthe transparent electrode; an electrode over the electroluminescentlayer; a sealing layer over the electrode; and a second substrate overthe sealing layer, wherein the first substrate and the transparentelectrode protection layer have a hole, and wherein at least a portionof the transparent electrode is exposed from the hole.
 26. A displaydevice according to claim 25, wherein the electrode is a cathode.
 27. Adisplay device according to claim 25, wherein the display device is in asimple matrix construction.
 28. A display device according to claim 25,wherein the electroluminescent layer comprises an organic material.